Carlisle based H&H Group PLC has announced the appointment of John Leveson to the position of Non-Executive Director.
John, who lives near Penrith, retired from his role as Deputy Chief Executive of Cumberland Building Society in October 2014, having been a member of the Board which successfully guided the building society through many changes including the economic downturn which commenced in 2008. His lifetime’s career of working within the building society industry served him well in overseeing many new developments in the parts of the building society for which he was responsible. This experience has helped him accumulate a deep knowledge of doing business in an ever-changing environment.
With a diverse range of interests, the H&H Group PLC operates as a holding company, with seven successful operating companies encompassing Livestock and Machinery Auctioneers, Valuers, Chartered Surveyors, Property and Estate Agents, Auction Rooms, Commercial Printers, Graphic Designers and Insurance Brokers. Founded originally as farmstock auctioneers, today, with nine Harrison & Hetherington Auction Marts, auctioneering is still very much a part of its business.
Richard Rankin, Chief Executive for the H&H Group PLC, is delighted to welcome John to the Board, and is confident that his expertise will be put to good use in building the future success of the Group’s operations.
On announcing details, Richard said: “We have a committed Board who importantly have a broad and diverse range of business knowledge and expertise. John is a highly respected businessman and I am delighted that he has agreed to join us. His experience further broadens and strengthens the Board, particularly in terms of his financial expertise and his knowledge of corporate governance. Given his past roles, he brings a huge amount of value to our business.”
John moved to Cumbria 22 years ago following his appointment to the Board of Cumberland Building Society and for a large part of this time he was responsible for the Society’s branches and Estate Agency offices which are located throughout Cumbria, South West Scotland and North Lancashire. These are some of the key geographical locations in which H&H Group operates and, as such, he understands the challenges which many companies face across the county.
His is also a former governor and director of Queen Elizabeth Grammar School in Penrith. Following his retirement, he was appointed as a Non-Executive Director of a Building Society based in the Midlands and is also a volunteer driver for The Fellrunner– community bus service which visits most of the villages in the Penrith area providing services to Penrith and Carlisle. Speaking of his new role, John adds: “H&H is a highly respected and successful business. It is a company I know well from my time working in Carlisle, so I was delighted when I was asked to join the Board. I am familiar with the issues many businesses face in the region, and I look forward to working with my new colleagues, to identify opportunities, and to contribute to the future success of the Group in my role as a Non-Executive Director.”
The H&H Group head office is located at Borderway Mart Carlisle, with its operating companies based at premises throughout the region, from Durham, Northumberland, Cumbria and the Scottish Borders.